Tag Archives: Family Search

Unhappy News from FHL

by Donna Potter-Phillips

I have a bolt of unhappy news for you. Many of you make trips to Salt Lake City to research in the Family History Library. And many of you trek over to the Church Office Building cafeteria for lunch. It’s everybody’s favorite place and for a long list of reasons. But that privilege is now ended.

David Rencher, head of the FHL, tells us that eating in that cafeteria is an employee benefit of a non-profit corporation. We, as non-employee library patrons, do not qualify. DANG, is what you’re saying, I’m sure. 

Free Family Search Family History Library Classes

by Charles Hansen

Free Family History Library Classes and Webinars for October 2018

Important tool for life for FamilySearch The FamilySearch Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah, has announced its free family history classes and webinars for October 2018. Research classes will focus on records from Denmark, Holland, England, Germany, and Wales. One class is offered in Spanish. A class for deaf community indexing is included. The genealogy merit badge is also featured. Participants can attend in person or online. See the calendar below for the complete list of classes. No registration is required.

Select webinars are offered weekly along the following track schedule throughout the month:

Mondays—FamilySearch Catalog at 10:00 a.m. MDT

Tuesdays—FamilySearch.org and Family Tree Classes at 10:00 a.m. MDT

Wednesdays—Indexing Classes at 10:00 a.m. MDT

Thursdays—Research Classes at 1:00 p.m. MDT

If you are unable to attend a class in person or online, most sessions are recorded and can be viewed later online at your convenience at Family History Library classes and webinars. Online classes are noted on the schedule as webinars. Webinar attendees need to click the link next to the class title at the scheduled date and time to attend the class online. Those attending in person simply go to the room noted. Invite your family and friends.

All class times are in mountain daylight time (MDT).

DATE AND TIME CLASS SKILL LEVEL WEBINAR | ROOM
Tuesday, 2 October, 10:00 a.m. What´s New at FamilySearch Beginner Webinar | Main Lab
Thursday, 4 October 10:00 a.m. Indexing Dutch Records (1.5 hours) Beginner Webinar | Main Lab
Thursday, 4 October, 1:00 p.m. Using Archion for German Research Beginner Webinar | Main Lab
Tuesday, 9 October, 10:00 a.m. Starting Family Tree: Overview of FamilySearch Beginner Webinar |

B1 Lab
Thursday, 11 October, 1:00 p.m. United States Research: Pacific Region Beginner Webinar |

Main B
Tuesday, 16 October, 10:00 a.m. Starting Family Tree: Navigating, Adding, Editing, and Standardization of Dates and Places Beginner Webinar | Main Lab
Thursday, 18 October, 1:00 p.m. England and Wales Census Beginner Webinar | Main Lab
Saturday, 20 October, 10:00 a.m. Boy Scout Genealogy Merit Badge (1½ hrs). For Registration. Beginner 2S Lab
Saturday, 20 October, 1:00 p.m. Recursos genealógicos de la emigración Hispanoamericana Beginner Webinar | Main B
Thursday, 25 October, 10:00 a.m. Deaf Community Indexing Training Beginner Webinar | Main Lab
Thursday, 25 October, 1:00 p.m. Using Gazetteers to Determine Jurisdictionsin Denmark Beginner Webinar |

Main Lab
Tuesday, 30 October, 10:00 a.m. Using the FamilySearch Catalog Effectively Beginner Webinar | Main Lab
About FamilySearch

FamilySearch International is the largest genealogy organization in the world. FamilySearch is a nonprofit, volunteer-driven organization sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Millions of people use FamilySearch records, resources, and services to learn more about their family history. To help in this great pursuit, FamilySearch and its predecessors have been actively gathering, preserving, and sharing genealogical records worldwide for over 100 years. Patrons may access FamilySearch services and resources free online at FamilySearch.org or through over 5,000 family history centers in 129 countries, including the main Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Rootstech London 2019

by Charles Hansen

The following announcement was written by FamilySearch, the organizers of RootsTech:

We’re thrilled to announce that the RootsTech conference is expanding to international borders! RootsTech London will take place October 24–26, 2019, at the ExCeL London Convention Centre.

“We are excited to further position RootsTech as a global community for everyone to discover their family and deepen their sense of belonging that we all yearn for,” said Jen Allen, event director.

RootsTech London will not replace the annual conference in Salt Lake City but will serve as an additional event.

Registration Opens February 2019

Registration for RootsTech London will open in late February 2019. To receive the latest updates and announcements, visit rootstech.org/London.

Venue

The ExCel Convention Center is London’s finest exhibition center, located only 5 minutes away from London City Airport. Click here to take an interactive tour of the ExCeL.

https://www.rootstech.org/london

Free Family History Library Webinars for January

by Charles Hansen

Free Family History Library Classes and Webinars for January 2018

If your New Year’s resolutions include free, how-to family history classes, then look no further than the array of webinars and classes offered by the Family History Library starting in January 2018. Participants can attend in person or online. The January schedule includes informative classes for Ireland, Portugal, Germany, United Kingdom, Norway, and United States research, using the FamilySearch Family Tree, learning how to use the FamilySearch tools more effectively, how to index, and other useful tips and instruction. Some classes are available in Spanish. See the full schedule below. Mark your calendars for events you want to join so you don’t forget.

Online classes are noted on the schedule as webinars. Webinar attendees need to click the link next to the class title on the scheduled date and time to attend the class online. Those attending in person simply go to the room noted. Invite your family and friends. All class times are in mountain standard time.

If you are unable to attend a class in person or watch it online at the time it is scheduled, you may be able to watch it later. Most sessions are recorded and can be viewed later online at your convenience. To view these recorded sessions, go to the archive for Family History Library classes and webinars.

Continue reading →

Free Family Search November Webinars

by Charles Hansen

Free Family History Library Classes and Webinars for November 2017

The Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah, has announced its free family history classes and webinars for November 2017. Participants can attend in person or online.
New classes include how-to research Swiss, Norwegian, Canadian, and immigration records. There are also classes on the FamilySearch Family Tree, using the FamilySearch Catalog effectively, learning how to index in much-needed foreign languages such as Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch, and French, and searching specific sources for other countries. Some classes are also in Spanish. See the full schedule below. Mark your calendars for events you want to join so you don’t forget.
Online classes are noted on the schedule as webinars. Webinar attendees need to click the link next to the class title at the scheduled date and time to attend the class online. Those attending in person simply go to the room noted. Invite your family and friends. All class times are in Mountain Standard Time (MST).
If you are unable to attend classes in person or online, most sessions are recorded and can be viewed later online at your convenience. To access these, go to the archive for Family History Library classes and webinars.
DATE / TIME
CLASS (SKILL LEVEL)
WEBINAR | ROOM
Thursday, November 2, 11:00 a.m.
Exploring Death Notices in Norway (Beginner)
Saturday, November 4 , 1:00 p.m.
Árbol Familiar para principiantes (Beginner)
Monday, November 6, 10:00 a.m.
Using the FamilySearch Catalog Effectively (Beginner)
Monday, November 6, 11:00 a.m.
Exploring Emigration Records in Norway—Finding Place of Origin (Beginner)
Monday, November 6, 1:00 p.m.
Beginning Swiss Research (Beginner)
Tuesday, November 7, 10:00 a.m.
Overview of FamilySearch (Beginner)
Thursday November 9, 9:00 a.m.
Immigration and Canadian Border Crossing (Beginner)
Thursday, November 9, 11:00 a.m.
Swiss Census Records (Beginner)
Thursday, November 9, 12:30 p.m.
French Language Indexing (1½ hours) (Beginner)
Thursday, November 9, 12:30 p.m.
Italian Language Indexing (1½ hours) (Beginner)
Thursday, November 9, 1:00 p.m.
Reivers and Relatives: Ancestors Along the Anglo-Scottish Border (Intermediate)
Thursday, November 9, 2:30 p.m.
Portuguese Language Indexing (1½ hours) (Beginner)
Thursday, November 9, 2:30 p.m.
Spanish Language Indexing (1½ hours) (Beginner)
Thursday, November 9, 4:30 p.m.
Web Indexing Training (1½ hours) (Beginner)
Thursday, November 9, 6:30 p.m.
Leadership Indexing Training (1½ hours) (Beginner)
| MF A
Monday, November 13, 10:00 a.m.
Using the FamilySearch Catalog Effectively (Beginner)
Tuesday, November 14, 10:00 a.m.
Starting FamilyTree: Navigating, Adding, Standardizing and Printing (Beginner)
Tuesday, November 14, 1:00 p.m.
England Case Study and Research Strategy (Intermediate)
Wednesday, November 15, 10:00 a.m.
Dutch Language Indexing (1½ hours) (Beginner)
Thursday, November 16, 11:00 a.m.
United States Census Records (Beginner)
Thursday, November 16, 1:00 p.m.
Lost in London! Tracing Elusive Ancestry in London and Other Big Cities (Intermediate)
Saturday, November 18, 1:00 p.m.
Getting Started in Mexico? Why You Should Try Ancestry.com (Beginner)
Monday, November 20, 10:00 a.m.
Using the FamilySearch Catalog Effectively (Beginner)
Tuesday, November 21, 10:00 a.m.
Staring Family Tree: Preserving Memories Using Photos and Documents (Beginner)
Wednesday, November 29, 10:00 a.m.
Web Indexing Training (1½ hours) (Beginner)

Family Search October Webinars

by Charles Hansen

Free Family History Library Classes and Webinars for October 2017

The Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah, has announced its free family history classes and webinars for October 2017. Participants can attend in person or online. The October schedule includes how-to classes for Canada,UK, US and Venzuela research, using the FamilySearch Family Tree, learning the new web-based indexing tool, and other useful tips and instruction. Some classes are available in Spanish. See the full schedule below. Mark your calendars for events you want to join so you don’t forget.

Online classes are noted on the schedule as webinars. Webinar attendees need to click the link next to the class title at the scheduled date and time to attend the class online. Those attending in person simply go to the room noted. Invite your family and friends. All class times are in Mountain Standard Time (MST).

If you are unable to attend a class in person or online, most sessions are recorded and can be viewed later online at your convenience. To access these, go to the archive for Family History Library classes and webinars.

DATE / TIME

CLASS (SKILL LEVEL)

WEBINAR | ROOM

Monday Oct. 2, 10:00 a.m.

Using the FamilySearch Catalog Effectively (Beginner)

Webinar | 2N Lab

Tuesday Oct. 3, 10:00 a.m.

Tips and Tricks for Using FamilySearch’s Historical Records Collection (Beginner)

Webinar | M Lab

Wednesday Oct. 4, 10:00 a.m.

Italian Language Indexing (1½ hours) (Intermediate)

Webinar | M Lab

Thursday Oct. 5, 1:00 p.m.

Using England Probate Records (Intermediate)

Webinar | B2 Lab

Monday Oct. 9, 10:00 a.m.

Using the FamilySearch Catalog Effectively (Beginner)

Webinar | 2N Lab

Tuesday Oct. 10, 10:00 a.m.

FamilyTree: Correcting Relationships (Intermediate)

Webinar | M Lab

Tuesday October 10, 11:00 a.m.

Figuring Out Place Names for Swedish Genealogy (Intermediate)

Webinar | MF A

Tuesday October 10, 1:00 p.m.

Criminals, Lunatics, and Witches, Oh My! Finding the Less Than Pleasant in Family History (Beginner)

Webinar | B2 Lab

Tuesday October 10, 2:00 p.m.

Starting FamilyTree: Open Questions and Answers (Beginner)

Webinar | M Lab

Wednesday Oct. 11, 3:00 p.m.

Web Indexing Training for Temple and Family History Consultants—Brazil: (1½ hours) (Intermediate)

Webinar | B2 Lab

Thursday Oct. 12, 1:00 p.m.

Finding Jewish Ancestors in England (Beginner)

Webinar | B2 Lab

Thursday Oct. 12, 4:00 p.m.

Web Indexing Training for Temple and Family History Consultants—South America: (1½ hours) (Intermediate)

Webinar | M Lab

Monday Oct. 16, 9:00 a.m.

Using the FamilySearch Catalog Effectively (Beginner)

Webinar | M B/C

Monday Oct. 16, 10:15 a.m.

Canada Research: Canada Census Records (Beginner)

Webinar | M B/C

Monday Oct. 16, 11:30 a.m.

Are You Your Own Brick Wall? Common Genealogical Mistakes and Their Solutions (Intermediate)

Webinar | M B/C

Monday Oct. 16, 1:15 p.m.

United States Vital Records (Beginner)

Webinar | M B/C

Monday Oct. 16, 2:30 p.m.

United States Naturalization Records (Intermediate)

Webinar | M B/C

Tuesday Oct. 17, 9:00 a.m.

FamilySearch Wiki (Beginner)

Webinar | M B/C

Tuesday Oct. 17, 10:15 a.m.

Canada Research: Canada Vital Records (Beginner)

Webinar | M B/C

Tuesday Oct. 17, 11:30 a.m.

Descendancy Research (Beginner)

Webinar | M B/C

Tuesday Oct. 17, 1:15 p.m.

United States Land Records (Intermediate)

Webinar | M B/C

Tuesday Oct. 17, 2:30 p.m.

United States Probate Records (Intermediate)

Webinar | M B/C

Wednesday Oct. 18, 9:00 a.m.

Tips and Tricks for Using FamilySearch’s Historical Records Collection (Beginner)

Webinar | M B/C

Wednesday Oct. 18, 10:15 a.m.

Canada Research: Quebec Research (Beginner)

Webinar | M B/C

Wednesday Oct. 18, 11:30 a.m.

A United States Case Study (Intermediate)

Webinar | M B/C

Wednesday Oct. 18, 1:15 p.m.

Census Techniques and Strategies (Beginner)

Webinar | M B/C

Wednesday Oct. 18, 2:30 p.m.

Great Internet Sites for United States Research (Beginner)

Webinar | M B/C

Thursday Oct. 19, 9:00 a.m.

FamilySearch Memories (Beginner)

Webinar | M B/C

Thursday Oct. 19, 10:15 a.m.

Canada Research: Ontario Research (Beginner)

Webinar | M B/C

Thursday Oct. 19, 11:30 a.m.

The Research Process (Beginner)

Webinar | M B/C

Thursday Oct. 19, 1:15 p.m.

Genetic Genealogy: An Introduction to DNA (Beginner)

Webinar | M B/C

Thursday Oct. 19, 2:30 p.m.

Using LDS Church Records (Beginner)

Webinar | M B/C

Friday Oct. 20, 9:00 a.m.

Freedman Bureau Records (Intermediate)

Webinar | M B/C

Friday Oct. 20, 10:15 a.m.

Immigration and Canadian Border Crossings (Intermediate)

Webinar | M B/C

Friday Oct. 20, 11:30 a.m.

Ask Your United States and Canada Research Question (Beginner)

Webinar | M B/C

Friday Oct. 20, 1:15 p.m.

Canada Research: Canada Military (Intermediate)

Webinar | M B/C

Friday Oct. 20, 2:30 p.m.

Over There! World War I Records over Here (Intermediate)

Webinar | M B/C

Saturday Oct. 21, 1:00 p.m.

Recursos Genealógicos de Venezuela (Beginner)

Webinar | VIP Room

Monday Oct. 23, 10:00 a.m.

Using the FamilySearch Catalog Effectively (Beginner)

Webinar | 2N Lab

Tuesday Oct. 24, 10:00 a.m.

What’s New at FamilySearch (Beginner)

Webinar | M Lab

Tuesday Oct. 24, 11:00 a.m.

Danish Tax Records (Advanced)

Webinar | B1 Lab

Tuesday Oct. 24, 1:00 p.m.

Exploring Probate Records in Norway (Intermediate)

Webinar | MF A

Wednesday Oct. 25, 10:00 a.m.

Spanish Language Indexing (1½ hours) (Intermediate)

Webinar | M Lab

Wednesday Oct. 25, 11:00 a.m.

Online Resources for Finnish Research (Intermediate)

Webinar | B1 Lab

Wednesday Oct. 25, 1:00 p.m.

Tracing Ancestry in Ireland’s Land and Other Records (Intermediate)

Webinar | B2 Lab

Thursday Oct. 26, 1:00 p.m.

Your British and Irish Research Questions Answered (Beginner)

Webinar | B2 Lab

Monday Oct. 30, 10:00 a.m.

Using the FamilySearch Catalog Effectively (Beginner)

Webinar | 2N Lab

Tuesday Oct. 31, 1:00 p.m.

Deciphering Portuguese Script (Beginner)

Webinar | MF B

 

FREE Nordic Family History Conference

by Charles Hansen

Registration is open for the upcoming week long Nordic Family History Conference hosted by the Family History Library in Salt Lake City on September 11-15, 2017. The conference will be streamed online for free for those who cannot attend in person. The conference will cover a range of topics from Arkiv Digital to Danish tax records. The classes are for beginning and intermediate genealogists interested in learning about records of Nordic localities and the Family History Library collections.

For information on the classes and times click here.

Meet the Board: Janet McKinnon

by Roxanne Lowe

Do you know who’s running the show at the Washington State Genealogical Society? Did you know we have an Executive Committee, six standing committee chairs and three appointed non-elected officers? Who are all these people? In the coming months, we’ll introduce them to you, so you can say “hi” the next time you see them.

Janet McKinnon

In today’s “Meet the Board” series, we’re introducing you to Janet McKinnon from Richland (Benton County). You might recognize the McKinnon name — she and her husband Mikal (Immediate Past President of WSGS) have been active in WSGS business for many years. Currently, Janet is WSGS’s Region 6 Representative for Adams, Asotin, Benton, Columbia, Franklin, Garfield, Walla Walla and Whitman Counties. Janet’s also a proud member of the Tri-City Genealogical Society where she has served as vice president and program chair. And if that’s not enough, she’s been the Librarian at the Richland Family History Center since 2000, helping patrons with their genealogy research. No wonder she was named a Washington State Genealogical Society Outstanding Volunteer in 2012!

Janet’s Grandmother Kate (on the right) watching her mother Emma get a picture taken next to a new car. Emma walked across the Mormon / Oregon Trail as a 13-year-old girl.

Janet’s 2x great grandmother (mother of Emma). This is the earliest female ancestor that Janet has a picture of.

It all began when little Janet Lemon was born in Coleville, Utah, the first of four children (and only daughter) of Karl and Bessie (Kirkham) Lemon. She was named after her mother’s middle name. Janet graduated from North Cache High School (Utah) in 1961 and entered the Utah State University that fall. On December 18, 1964, Janet married her partner for eternity Mikal A. McKinnon in the Logan temple. After their graduation from USU, the couple moved to California, then to Washington in 1975.

December 1964

Janet and Mikal are the parents of five children: four sons and a daughter. Their Down Syndrome son lives with them. They’re also the loving grandparents of 13 from a 10-year-old Boy Scout to a college graduate granddaughter.

Janet’s interest in genealogy started with her mother and her family. While Janet’s mother didn’t do formal research, she loved and valued her ancestors. Her father (Janet’s grandfather) pioneered areas of genealogy for the Genealogical Society of Utah. He and other family members did the research and shared it. Janet’s mother shared the stories that she heard first hand from the pioneer generation, and passed those stories on to Janet. Even today, Janet’s greatest interest is in family stories, photos, memories and sharing them.

Janet uses FamilySearch.org for much of her research, especially for her early American and English ancestors. One of her most interesting genealogical finds was a Civil War record for the son of a “Dependent Mother” listed in the pension books.

A few more interesting tidbits about Janet:

  • Favorite color: red
  • Favorite dessert: ice cream
  • When asked the word that best describes her, she replied, “friendly.”

Now you know a little more about another of the WSGS Board members. The next time you see Janet, say hello and thank her for her service to WSGS.